# Gen 2 poor camera quality; any better ones available? **URL:** \ **Category:** Framework Laptop 16\ **Tags:** expansion-bay-shell, framework-laptop-16-amd-7040\ **Created:** [February 24, 2026, 10:43am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/gen-2-poor-camera-quality-any-better-ones-available/80846 "2026-02-24T10:43:54Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Vadim\_Peretokin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b77776/32.png) [@Vadim\_Peretokin](https://community.frame.work/u/Vadim_Peretokin)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2026, 10:43am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/gen-2-poor-camera-quality-any-better-ones-available/80846/1 "2026-02-24T10:43:54Z")
I’ve upgraded my FW 16 to the gen 2 camera, but the quality is still not acceptable for a business user - the resolution is poor and colours are inaccurate. Has anyone found a software/firmware fix that improves quality, or is an external camera the only realistic option for business use? ---
**Author:** ![Aurom](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/77aa72/32.png) [@Aurom](https://community.frame.work/u/Aurom)\ **Post date:** [February 24, 2026, 11:13am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/gen-2-poor-camera-quality-any-better-ones-available/80846/2 "2026-02-24T11:13:18Z")
For the Framework Laptop 16 Gen 2 camera, the image quality is limited by the hardware, so there’s no official software or firmware fix that significantly improves resolution or color accuracy. For business use where better clarity and color are important, an external USB or webcam is the most practical solution. ---
**Author:** ![TechPriestNhyk](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/community.frame.work/techpriestnhyk/32/27853_2.png) [@TechPriestNhyk](https://community.frame.work/u/TechPriestNhyk)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2026, 4:53pm UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/gen-2-poor-camera-quality-any-better-ones-available/80846/4 "2026-02-25T16:53:51Z")
Yeah, unfortunately if the gen 2 quality doesn’t meet your needs, you’ll need to get an external solution. ---
**Author:** ![Imran\_Bin\_ilias](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/user_avatar/community.frame.work/imran_bin_ilias/32/46223_2.png) [@Imran\_Bin\_ilias](https://community.frame.work/u/Imran_Bin_ilias)\ **Post date:** [March 3, 2026, 1:40am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/gen-2-poor-camera-quality-any-better-ones-available/80846/5 "2026-03-03T01:40:08Z")
This is a common frustration because the **Gen 2 (OmniVision)** sensor is technically capable, but the “business look” usually fails due to how Windows/Linux handles the **Auto-White Balance (AWB)** and **Noise Reduction**. Before buying an external webcam, there are two “software” fixes that specifically address the resolution and color issues you mentioned. * * * ### **1. The “Windows Studio Effects” or “UVC” Fix** The Gen 2 camera is a **UVC (USB Video Class)** device. By default, Windows and Linux try to “guess” the exposure, which leads to the washed-out, inaccurate colors you’re seeing. - **For Windows:** Use the **“Framework Camera Utility”** or the **“Windows Camera”** app settings to manually disable “Pro” mode and lock your **White Balance** to 4500K or 5000K. This stops the “flickering” colors during business calls. - **The Resolution “Lie”:** Many apps (like Teams/Zoom) default to 720p to save bandwidth, making a 1080p sensor look like 480p. Check your app settings to force **“HD Video”** or **“Adjust for low light.”** ### **2. The “Hidden” Linux Fix (v4l2-ctl)** If you are on Linux, the driver often defaults to a very high **“Sharpness”** and **“Gain”** setting, which adds “grain” and ruins business-appropriate skin tones. - **The Fix:** Use `v4l-utils` to manually pull back the saturation and sharpness. ### **3. The Hardware Reality: Lighting \> Sensor** The Framework 16 has a very small aperture to fit the thin bezel. No software can fix **underexposure**. - **Business Tip:** If you have a window behind you, the sensor will underexpose your face, causing the “poor resolution” look (digital noise). A simple **$20 LED ring light** or even a desk lamp pointed at a wall in front of you will make the Gen 2 camera look 3x better than any software fix. * * * If you are doing high-stakes client pitches or 4K recording, the **Gen 2** is a “high-quality utility” camera, but it isn’t a “DSLR replacement.” **Realistic Option:** If the above fixes don’t satisfy you, look at the **Logitech MX Brio (4K)** or the **Obsbot Tiny 2 Lite**. They provide the “Business Professional” look that thin-laptop sensors simply can’t match due to physics. ---
**Author:** ![Vadim\_Peretokin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/b77776/32.png) [@Vadim\_Peretokin](https://community.frame.work/u/Vadim_Peretokin)\ **Post date:** [March 26, 2026, 9:28am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/gen-2-poor-camera-quality-any-better-ones-available/80846/6 "2026-03-26T09:28:03Z")
I got a new phone - Samsung S26 Ultra - and it supports [plugging the phone](https://www.androidpolice.com/your-galaxy-s26-double-webcam-pc/) into the laptop and using it as a webcam. Tested on Ubuntu with Google Meet - works well. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://us1.discourse-cdn.com/flex001/uploads/framework3/original/1X/64c81a89f963ddb07633887baceb642a4b056046.png) [@system](https://community.frame.work/u/system)\ **Post date:** [September 22, 2026, 9:28am UTC](https://community.frame.work/t/gen-2-poor-camera-quality-any-better-ones-available/80846/7 "2026-09-22T09:28:24Z")
Closed on September 22, 2026, 9:28am UTC This topic was automatically closed 180 days after the last reply. New replies are no longer allowed.